I replaced a rubber line with a new rubber line for about $12. So half price to do all 4 corners with OE replacements that fit exactly as intended. The stainless is just for show, in my opinion. Nice looking, but are ya gonna pull the wheel to show them off? My 3 original lines are still all working as they should, and the new one should give me another 30 years, right? Overall, the idea of braided stainless is nice, but I feel it's overkill, especially for a part that never gets displayed. To each their own, of course, and if you're free to blow a gift card, you may as well. Your car, your money. Myself, I'm content with a $12 replacement here.
Braided Stainless lines for brakes aren't meant for show. A braided stainless brake line doesn't flex when fluid is pushed through it like a rubber line, giving you a more solid feeling pedal when brakes are applied vs the spongy feeling on the brake pedal with rubber lines. I've used them on two previous cars with a very positive noticeable difference in pedal feel. I haven't done it on a Fiero because I've only owned my Fiero for a month and haven't gotten there yet. But, when the time comes I will definitely replace with them. Tate
I have them on my Fiero for quite a few years now. The rear lines are slightly on the short side, and when the car is jacked up, and the rear suspension is fully extended - they get mighty tight. On the fronts, I have the Grand Am brakes, and I had to grind the end hoop down so the hose bolt would thread in. Now that I think about it - I think the Braided line I got were not Ocelot - they were "Earls". So I guess this was a useless review......
I've had the Ocelot stainless braided brake lines on my Fiero since 2004. I have no complaints, and have had no issues with them. I'm glad I bought them.
I don't want to get too far off track but AFAIK the Russell stainless steel brake lines are the only SS brake lines that are DOT legal. Unfortunately using DOT legal brake lines is required by law. I've had the Russell SS lines on for four years, they are still functioning fine and still look like new. Don't know about the Ocelot but they may be as good, just not DOT legal.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Are you sure about that? The Fiero Store description states that they are DOT certified. I bought a set of the ocelot lines but haven't installed them yet. I'll check when I get home but I believe the braided line itself is by Earls.
Ocelot s/s brake hoses are DOT approved. I put them on my car and I definitely think it's worth the money. The brake petal has very little travel before the brakes start to apply and the braking is much more even. Just a great performance boost for stock brakes. With my sticky tires, fierostore pads, and those s/s hoses, my braking improved enough where I decided not to upgrade my brakes (of coarse if I was racing or had a lot more horsepower I may consider it). There are plenty of fieros in the family, even ones with sticky tires and better brake pads, but mine brakes the best. Also, I didn't have any fitment issues, just have to adjust the rubber sleeves to fit right in the p-clamps. The fitting do look a bit different than stock though. I definitely think it's worth the money, especially if you're looking to replace them anyway.
DOT Does Not Approve ANYTHING. The Manufacturer does all testing as hose are delivered to you. This means Only the SS hose and ends are tested. Any support added to them can void warranties, void DOT testing, and that's if you survive whatever brake problems.
Raybestos PG Plus and others use SAE J1401 "rubber" hose. Hose are labeled DOT SAE J1401. (Covered in same thread.) You get all parts same as OE, correct ends and supports attached, but much better hose material.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
My input, The Ocelot did not used to have DOT, now they do, they also did not used to have the outer clear sheath, just saying.
I have the SS lines they sell at Summit, (I forget brand) I did notice an immediate feel in brake pedal, harder stiffer, (good thing)
My .02 cents
P.S. I bought them when I lived in Reno, (they have a warehouse there) I handed them $100 they handed my brake lines over the counter, can't beat that.
I've got Fierostore braided brake lines on the front of my car. I replaced the stock fronts, in search of a "pulling to the left" issue. The lines didn't make much of a difference, if any. (I forget what the fix was.) I never bothered with the back. Still have the replacements in the bag.
The routing was kind of... particular. I used the supplied clamps, in addition to (maybe) a couple of zip ties. They had to be routed correctly in order to not rub the inside edges of my wheels. (17x7, 48mm offset, on an 88.)
------------------ Raydar 88 Formula IMSA Fastback. 4.9, NVG T550 Praise the Lowered!
[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 10-09-2015).]
